It has been a turbulent season for West Ham United and speculation has been rife over Slaven Bilic’s future.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
The Hammers have been in freefall and found themselves perilously close to the danger zone after five defeats on the bounce.
Indeed it was seven games since the Hammers last tasted victory until they beat Swansea City 1-0 on Saturday.
The East Londoners still have some work to do to secure safety in what has been a hugely disappointing season compared to the record-breaking campaign the club enjoyed last term.
As a result of West Ham’s poor form of late Bilic’s future has been the subject of intense media speculation with the likes of Jaap Stam, Roberto Manzini and Rafa Benitez tipped to replace him in various reports.
And yesterday Sky Sports reported Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was a potential target if the club does decide to relive Bilic of his post.
The Croatian has retained the support of the majority of West Ham’s fans, though, which has been reinforced by the important victory over the Swans.
And West Ham’s most prized asset Manuel Lanzini has dropped an ominous hint over his own future should Bilic leave, in an interview with The Mirror.
West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini
“Slaven has shown a lot of confidence in me since the very beginning,” Lanzini told The Mirror.
“He is a big part of the reason I signed for the club and has always treated me very well so I am very grateful to him for that.
“He is a great coach and works very closely with the players. It is not my decision about Slaven’s future but he led the club to a great season last year and I am very grateful to him. I would love him to stay.”
Lanzini was plucked from the obscurity of the footballing wilderness that is the United Arab Emirates Pro League by Bilic when he replaced Sam Allardyce at West Ham.
Doubts over future: Bilic
While many thought the diminutive Argentine playmaker would not be able to stand up to the rigours of Premier League football, Bilic backed him to shine.
And he has done just that rising up to become West Ham’s key player, especially since Dimitri Payet’s disappointing departure in January.
Should Bilic be sacked, the Hammers would clearly face a battle to keep hold of Lanzini. Lose him and it is hard to see how the East Londoners could replace both him and Payet ready for next season.
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